Appeals court throws out $12M award to Scottsdale doctors

PHOENIX (AP) - A $12 million jury award to a Scottsdale cosmetic surgeon and his physician wife has been overturned by the Arizona Court of Appeals.

The couple sued a former patient for defamation over complaints aired in public and on various websites by a jazz singer over her nose procedures.

The three-judge appellate court says the award wasn't supported by evidence.

The Arizona Republic reports the appeals court has sent the case sent back to Maricopa County Superior Court for a new trial.

In 2011, a jury awarded Dr. Albert Carlotti and Dr. Michelle Cabret-Carlotti $12 million in actual and punitive damages.

That was following a 10-day trial over allegations that defamed the physicians.

Albert Carlotti says he plans to petition the Arizona Supreme Court for a review of the appellate decision.

Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com